The Canal Club — Restaurant in Scottsdale

It’s billed as “a sip of Havana”… it by no means brings back the 1930s Havana, but the Canal Club located at The Scott Resort & Spa is decked out in a distinctive subtle flashy way likened to a Neo-Carribbean post-Hemingway esthetic, in-crowd Miami Beach atmosphere and with a strong under 30 driven vibe. Don’t get me wrong, we thought the Club has done a great thing here! A needed atmosphere of sophisticated neo elegance is right here to enjoy. Reminiscent of many a Rat-Pack chic and ambience as you pass through the hotel Lounge, to the Bar, then the Restaurant it is amazing to see extraordinary work done to create an inviting subdued high end island oasis setting. As for the food, I must say, the four of us visiting that evening were intrigued by the offerings. Again, although Havana is espoused it is far, far from its cuisine but, on its own distinctive, unique, flavorful, well portions and very importantly, very, very Neuville and in an incredibly good way. It has been my experience over the years that Neuville Cuisine to many establishments just means different, here it means different but unique and the ability to take a dish to a level that is admirable, palatable and tasty – yet one can appreciate the efforts made and the accomplishment of reaching uniqueness. For a table starter we ordered a very good rendition of Ceviche of Shrimp, in Lime, and a very tasty Cucumber Pico de Gallo. Starting with appetizers, we tried their Eloté (short corn cobs elaborately dressed) with Chipotle Aioli, Tajin seasoning, Cotija, Paprika and a slightly over abundant amount of Cilantro - excellent. And, the Tostones (plantains) surrounded by smoked bacon, a black bean puree, Pico de Gallo and finally some Cotija – very, very good. My better half enjoyed the ‘Cuban’ Marinated Pork Chop which indeed if to a wee bit did have a slight background of Cuban marinade-style seasoning which they delved up with a side of Rice, Black Bean (slightly bland) along with Brussels Sprouts in a Mango Glaze – pretty good, and unique derivation of the Caribbean! I went a little more traditional to find what Chef Chris Castro could Neuville the common yard bird! Surprisingly, his Grilled Chicken offering sided by Black Beans and Rice with a slightly over-portioned Petite Green Salad was commendable. The bird’s seasoning fringed on the Dominican/Cuban/Puerto Rican realm of flavors, making it delectably distinctive. The unique flavors persisted through desert with some very good offerings of Cheesecake Empanadas and Churro Doughnut Holes. I’ve not entered the realm of elixirs we embibed while dining, as everything tried was excellent. Have at it, The Canal Club...

I didn’t even get the opportunity to eat here, which is a bummer because it looks cute and the food looks bomb. Unfortunately I was subject to the horrible customer service. I called over a month in advance to place a reservation for 7 people for a bachelorette party at the end August. When I called the hostess for the first time, she told me that I had to fill out a “large parties” form since it’s more than 6 people, to which I did. She told me I would hear back within 3-4 business days later. 5 business days go by and I heard nothing. So I filled out ANOTHER large party form and follow it up with a call. I was told the large party person was going to call that day and that the schedule currently showed availability so I wouldn’t be a problem to book us. The day, along with TWO more days, go by so I called AGAIN. I was given the number for Corin (the large party coordinator) to which she didn’t answer her phone despite reaching out several times. Over two weeks go by now since I filled out the initial form, so I called the hostess at 8am and told her I need an answer so I can solidify plans. She once again told that they did appear to have room for 7 people at the time we wanted, but was just waiting for manager approval (aka Corin who was MIA). I was told she would call me within 30 mins. So about 8 hours go by, and I get an EMAIL. This email appeared to be like an automated “sorry not sorry” response and told me that they didn’t have room for us.

I tried to call and get booked FOR WEEKS. I called this place, all in all, probably 8 times. Sometimes they wouldn’t even answer. Would my time have been available if I actually got a call back at a reasonable time? HORRIBLE customer service and communication. If that’s how the communication is just trying to book, I could only imagine the hot mess of a situation that place is daily. Now I’m scrambling to find a dinner reservation else where for a bachelorette party of 7 because this place dragged me out for too long. So please, Canal Club, improve your communication. You’re a well established business in a popular area, you should have better communication or a better process. You shouldn’t be ghosting people, that makes you look bad. And for the others, I would suggest making calls for reservations at this place at least 2...

I would never return here ever again.

tldr; our server RYLEY was the worst and she was either having a rly bad day for some reason or she needs some serious training

this was for a party of 10 during a bachelorette trip. I understand that it was a large group, but all of this could've and should've been done better. it was also rly not that busy when we were there. there were lots of empty seatings.

we were seated at 12 and our food didn't come out until 1:20-30. we put in our orders p early. and my food photos are time stamped so I'm not even exaggerating. ALL the other tables around us (even the other large party of 10) were given their food within 15-20 min. our cocktails took 30+ min. we even ordered shots bc food was taking so long and that took 15 min - which btw is ridiculously priced bc why is a shot of vodka $18 when a cocktail is $20.

IF there is a delay in the kitchen, I would expect to be notified of it prior to waiting an hour for food. IF it is a large party, I would expect to be asked if I would be okay with each order coming out as it's ready and I honestly would expect this to be done even if I am NOT asked. instead, all of the food came out all at once and 75% of it was cold.

usually I don't believe that the server has any control over how long it takes for the food to be done in the kitchen. it gets busy. all the time. BUT I think this time the server had a LOT of impact over how long it took for the food and drinks to GET to the table and making sure that the orders for food/drinks are being executed and not forgotten.

we ate our food for 15-20 min and we paid the bill and left at 1:45. the automatic 20% tip for large parties. sadly, undeserved. it wasn't just that our food and drinks took forever. her poor attitude was v negatively perceived and I hope she is having a better day today.

food was mid. like I said, most of it was cold. I don't think there was a single person who said "wow my food is rly good"

drinks were inconsistent. same cocktails were dif color and dif alcohol ratio - enough to be clearly noticeable.

the only nice things I have to say are not even about the canal club. the scotts resort, that this restaurant is inside of, has a BEAUTIFUL lobby and has the cutest blue retro car in the front of the resorts entrance for...